Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Bed Steps
c 1840
Description: Middle step pulls out and opens to reveal wood cutaway for holding chamber pot.

Beds of the period were higher than beds of today to provide stroage space underneath and to lift the sleeper up out of the drafts along the floor. Steps of this type were needed to reach the bed, especially for the aged and infirmed. Mrs. Lee used bed steps as she developed rheumatoid arthritis in her hips during her thirties. Locating a chamber pot close to a bed was necessary for those unable to outside to the privy. By the mid 1840’s a flush toilet was installed in the north wing of the house.

Mahogany. H 63.8, W 45, L 77.5 cm
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 1457



Bed Steps c 1840 Description: Middle step pulls out and opens to reveal wood cutaway for holding chamber pot. Beds of the period were higher than beds of today to provide stroage space underneath and to lift the sleeper up out of the drafts along the floor. Steps of this type were needed to reach the bed, especially for the aged and infirmed. Mrs. Lee used bed steps as she developed rheumatoid arthritis in her hips during her thirties. Locating a chamber pot close to a bed was necessary for those unable to outside to the privy. By the mid 1840’s a flush toilet was installed in the north wing of the house. Mahogany. H 63.8, W 45, L 77.5 cm Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 1457
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